لبنان - أخبار وفد الاتحاد الأوروبي
Guidelines on human rights dialogues with third countries
The Council of the European Union has issued the 2009 update of its guidelines for human rights dialogues with third countries. The aim of the guidelines is to strengthen the coherence and consistency of the EU’s approach on such issues.
(26 February, 2009)
The EU in the Middle East Peace Process
“Resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict is a strategic priority for Europe. Without this, there will be little chance of dealing with other problems in the Middle East.”
(27 February, 2009)
Europe keeps women’s empowerment high on its global agenda
On the occasion of the International Women’s Day on 8 March, which this year carries the theme ‘Women and men united to end violence against women and girls’, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, reaffirms the Commission’s continuing political and financial commitment to fight for women rights.
(6 March, 2009)
EU General Report: fresh impetus to relations with Mediterranean Partners
Some €1.735 billion was allocated in 2008 to projects and assistance programmes under the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI,) including some €1.160 billion for southern Mediterranean countries, according to the General Report on the EU’s activities in 2008.
(10 March, 2009)
EU Presidency Statement on the inauguration of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon
The Presidency of the Council of the European Union welcomes the inauguration of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon to prosecute suspects in the killing of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri.
(3 March, 2009)
Euro-Med regional water programmes in focus ahead of World Water Day
The Euro-Mediterranean regional water programmes are being showcased at the 5th World Water Forum in Istanbul, on the eve of World Water Day on Sunday, 22 March. The European Commission Delegation to Jordan has set up promotional stands dedicated to the regional programmes – the MEDA Water Programme, Euro-Med Information System on Know-how in the Water Sector (EMWIS), and the Mediterranean component of the EU Water Initiative, whose implementation is supported by the Delegation to Jordan.
(20 March, 2009)
Newsletter of the Delegation
Online issue 1/2009 - “Promoting Democracy Worldwide”
(21 March, 2009)
Benita Ferrero-Waldner welcomes the accreditation of the Syrian Ambassador designate to Lebanon
“I warmly welcome the decision of Lebanese President Michel Suleiman to accept the nomination of Ali Abdul-Karim Ali as the Ambassador of Syria to Lebanon. This is an major decision for the development of relations between Lebanon and Syria. I am sure that this will bring mutual benefits to Syria and Lebanon and to the region as a whole”, said the EU Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy.
(25 March, 2009)
Javier Solana welcomes approval of appointment of Syrian Ambassador to Beirut
Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), issued the following statement today welcoming the approval by the President of Lebanon of the appointment of the Syrian Ambassador to Beirut:
(26 March, 2009)
Visit of the delegation for the relations with the Mashrek countries at the EP to Lebanon
A working group from the Delegation for the Relations with the Mashrek Countries at the European Parliament will visit Lebanon from 6 to 10 April 2009. The programme of the visit includes meetings with the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Interior, representatives of political blocs and other political figures, members of the Parliamentary Committee of Foreign Affairs, the Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon, as well as religious dignitaries.
(3 April, 2009)
Preparation of the National Indicative Programme for the years 2011-2013
In 2009 the European Commission launched the review of the Lebanon Country Strategy Paper 2007-2013 (CSP) and the preparation of the National Indicative Programme for Lebanon for the years 2011-2013. The next indicative programme should base the policy response and priority fields of co-operation on the strategic objectives laid down in the CSP.
(6 April, 2009)
EIB supports water and road infrastructure in Lebanon
European Investment Bank Vice-President Philippe de Fontaine Vive has completed a two-day visit to Lebanon, where he inaugurated the EIB backed Tripoli wastewater treatment plant, signed a €70 million loan to support new water treatment facilities in the Kesrwan region, and laid the foundation stone for the Tripoli west ring road, also supported by an EIB loan.
( 3 April, 2009)
Commission first to act on G20 with strategy to support developing countries
Commission first to act on G20 with strategy to support developing countries. The Communication adopted by the Commission looks at how Europe can support developing countries in coping with the crisis.
(16 April 2009)
Lebanon in the European Neighbourhood Policy: limited progress in 2008
In its annual Progress Reports on the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), the European Commission takes stock of the concrete reform achievements made by countries within the ENP in 2008 and identifies the areas where further efforts are needed. In a policy paper on the implementation of the ENP presented on 23 April, the Commission provides an overview of developments in 12 ENP countries . It also highlights the impact of the financial crisis on them and proposes a number of ways the EU could contribute to their recovery process.
(24 April, 2009)
Implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy in 2008: Progress Report Lebanon
The difficult political situation throughout 2008 significantly slowed down the process of implementation of the EU-Lebanon ENP Action Plan.
(24 April, 2009)
European Union deploys Election Observation Mission to Lebanon
An EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) is being deployed for the next legislative elections in Lebanon scheduled to take place on 7 June 2009. The EU EOM will consist of some 90 observers and will be led by Mr José Ignacio Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra, Member of the European Parliament, who also led the previous EU EOM to Lebanon in 2005. This mission represents a further contribution by the European Commission to strengthening democracy in Lebanon.
(24 April, 2009)
Mediterranean Journalist Award launched
The 2009 edition of the Anna Lindh Foundation’s Mediterranean Journalist Award was officially launched at the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations Forum in Istanbul, which also saw the announcement of a joint rapid response framework to serve the needs of journalists working across the Mediterranean region.
(8 April, 2009)
European Commission launches 2009 Lorenzo Natali Prize for committed journalists
On World Press Freedom Day the European Commission officially launched the Lorenzo Natali Prize for 2009. The prize is awarded in partnership with Reporters Without Borders and the World Association of Newspapers to journalists who have demonstrated a commitment to Human Rights, Democracy and Development. It is open to journalists working in TV, radio, the press and online. The rules of the prize are available on: www.nataliprize2009.eu
(3 May, 2009)
The EU and the FDES Inaugurate New Infrastructures In South Lebanon
The Head of the Delegation of the European Commission to Lebanon, Ambassador Patrick Laurent, and the Director of the Economic and Social Fund for Development, Mr. Haitham Omar, toured South Lebanon today in order to visit four community development projects in Bint Jbeil caza. These projects are funded by the European Union under the ESFD which aims at improving the economic and social situation of the most underprivileged categories of the Lebanese population, by implementing programmes designed to contribute to job creation and community development.
(30 April, 2009)
Women’s Rights and Gender Equality: 3 projects funded by the European Union
In 2009, the European Commission launched three important projects aiming at improving the level of participation of women in the civil, economic, social and cultural spheres. These projects were selected through a call for proposals and are financed by the European Union with a total amount of approximately €2 million, under the thematic programme “Investing in People” (2007-2010).
(5 May, 2009)
EU promotes investment through the Neighbourhood Investment Facility
The EU is stepping up efforts to support the investment needs of its neighbouring partner countries through the Neighbourhood Investment Facility (NIF). This innovative financial mechanism aims to create a “partnership” bringing together grants from the European Commission and the EU Member States matched with loans from European public Finance Institutions and contributions from the partner countries.
(5 May, 2009)
Eurojar project: articles highlight EU-Mediterranean cooperation
The EuropeAid-funded ‘Eurojar’ project has published a series of articles on EU-Mediterranean cooperation in the Lebanese daily paper L’Orient Le Jour. Eurojar is one of 13 projects funded by EuropeAid’s €19 million Regional Information and Communication Programme that seeks to increase awareness and understanding among the citizens of the ENPI area, of the EU, its policies and relations with their countries. The Eurojar budget amounts to €1.5 million and the project will last for one year.
(12 May, 2009)
Speech by Ambassador Patrick Laurent
Speech by Ambassador Patrick Laurent, Head of the Delegation of the European Commission in Lebanon, on the occasion of Europe Day -May 9.
Today is also an opportunity to express to the Lebanese political sphere our hope that Lebanon will gradually overcome the political deadlock in which it is struggling, and will make better use of EU-Lebanon co-operation, which is certainly a mechanism of economic and financial partnership, but above all a way of sharing of common values.
(8 May, 2009)
Launching of the South Business Incubation Centre of Saida (SouthBIC)
SouthBIC is the first incubation centre of its kind in South Lebanon. It is set up as a non-profit association by a strong consortium including the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Saida and South Lebanon, the Hariri Foundation, and the Municipality of Saida. The European Union contributed with technical assistance, including European and local expertise, and co-funding up to 70% of the establishment and running costs of the structure. South BIC is also sponsored by the Ministry of Economy and Trade.
(2 April, 2009)
Anna Lindh Foundation initiative showcased in Eurojar feature
The Anna Lindh Foundation and its efforts to promote reading among children in Lebanon is the focus of the latest in the series of articles on EU-Mediterranean cooperation published by the EuropeAid-funded ‘Eurojar’ project in the Lebanese daily L’Orient Le Jour. The feature article highlights the importance of the initiative, a three-year regional programme to promote children’s literature and reading in five Arab countries, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Lebanon.
(19 May, 2009)
The EU continues to support the improvement of criminal investigation
A crime scene simulation was inaugurated on 20 May 2009 in Aaramoun, south of Beirut. The crime scene simulation site built thanks to a funding from the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom and equipped by the European Union, is the first building of the Practical Training Centre of the Judicial Police. The centre will be built by the Internal Security Forces in Aaramoun and equipped by the EU under its new project “Security and Rule of Law” (€ 4 million), and which is a continuation of the first project .
(20 May, 2009)
Gender Equality Programme publishes second issue of newsletter
The Euro-Med Gender Equality Programme has published the second issue of ‘Gender Dynamics’, its quarterly newsletter. The main article is an interview with Dr. Farkhonda Hassan, Secretary General of the National Council for Women in Egypt, who highlights the possibilities of cooperation between the Council and the programme, the added value of the Istanbul Ministerial Conference on ‘Strengthening the Role of Women in Society’, and the strengths and achievements of the Council.
(26 May, 2009)
Youth in Lebanon and Jordan Promote Cultural Heritage through an EU project
The EU funded project “Foundations for a Strong Future: Youth in Lebanon and Jordan Promote Cultural Heritage” was launched today at the National Museum by Mercy Corps and its partners the General Directorate of Antiquities/National Museum and “Association pour La Protection des Sites et Anciennes Demeures au Liban” (APSAD). During this kick-off gathering, 60 youth representing all regions of Lebanon have visited the National Museum, and shared with each other expectations for their involvement in the months ahead.
(26 May, 2009)
Euro-Mediterranean course for human rights education
The Partnership on Youth between the European Commission and the Council of Europe together with the Human Rights Center in the Beirut Arab University are organising a training for trainers on human rights education. The training will take place in Lebanon at the Beirut Arab University in Debbiye from 21-29 June 2009.
(29 May, 2009)
Euromed puts gender equality on the Net
A new Internet site has just been launched: www.euromedgenderequality.org. It affects all the people and institutions involved in making equality between men and women a concrete reality. It is meant to be a tool for information, action and discussion.
(1 June, 2009)
Samir Kassir Award for freedom of the press - winners
The Head of the Delegation of the European Commission to Lebanon, Ambassador Patrick Laurent, and Mrs. Gisèle Khoury-Kassir, President of the Samir Kassir Foundation, granted today the Samir Kassir Award for Freedom of the Press to the winners of the 2009 edition: an Egyptian journalist and a Lebanese Journalist.
(2 June, 2009)
Fourth ENPI CBC bulletin
13 out of 15 CBC programmes have now been adopted by the Commission and we are entering a new exciting phase of cross-border-cooperation within the ENPI. Programmes at the Eastern, Northern and Southern borders of the EU have already organised their first Joint Monitoring Committees and some of them are on the verge to launch their first call for proposals. This phase will bring new and different challenges to the Programmes and we hope that this Bulletin will contribute to better communication between all interested stakeholders in the ENPI CBC programmes.
(2 June, 2009)
The EU and its ENP partners cooperate to face the environmental change
International cooperation is critical given current pressure on existing resources and challenges to global energy supply and security. In the ENPI Eastern region, sustainable management of natural resources is one of the six priority areas of cooperation. These countries share a legacy of environmental problems from the past, as well as new pressures as they return to economic growth. Key issues include air and water quality, waste management, nature conservation, climate change, land use and pollution in the Baltic, Barents, Caspian and Black seas.
(3 June, 2009)
Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the CFSP, visits the Middle East
Javier Solana is travelling to the Middle East from Wednesday, 10 June to Sunday, 14 June 2009. Mr Solana is travelling to Israel, the Palestinian Territories, Lebanon and Egypt. This trip takes place at a moment when the international community is intensifying its efforts to relaunch the Peace Process and a few days after the elections held in Lebanon.
(10 June, 2009)
EU observer mission praises Lebanese voters
The EU Election Observation Mission to the Lebanese parliamentary elections has praised the people of Lebanon for showing a strong commitment to their country’s democratic process.
(10 June, 2009)
Solana: “We cannot afford to fail in the Middle East”
The international community and the European Union “cannot afford to fail” in their search for peace in the Middle East, Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the CFSP has told the Henri Spaak Lecture in Brussels.
(23 June, 2009)
Official launch of Europa Jaratouna media project
The EU-funded Eurojar media project is officially being launched in Beirut on 24 June, with a press conference and multimedia presentation in the presence of EU and local officials.
(24 June, 2009)
The EU and the CDR visit development projects in North Lebanon
The Head of the Delegation of the European Commission to Lebanon, Ambassador Patrick Laurent, the Director of the Funding Division at the Council for Development and Reconstruction (CDR), Mrs. Wafa Charafeddine, and the Director of the Economic and Social Fund for Development (ESFD), Mr. Haitham Omar, toured the Tripoli region and the Akkar today in order to visit four community development projects. These projects are funded by the European Union under the ESFD which aims at improving the economic and social situation of the most deprived categories of the Lebanese population, by implementing programmes designed to contribute to job creation and community development.
(25 June, 2009)
Children’s messages on gender: winners of drawing competition announced
An eight-year-old from Egypt and a ten-year-old from Algeria are the winners for the Mediterranean region of EuropeAid’s third drawing competition on gender equality, the organisers of the competition have announced. The competition, launched on International Women’s Day on 8 March, is aimed at motivating children from the EU’s partner countries to participate in an exercise of awareness on the role of women in society. Children from EU countries made up the jury.
(26 June, 2009)
Javier Solana supports the formation of a coalition government in Lebanon
Mr Solana made the following remarks to reporters during his visit to Beirut: “I am very pleased to be back in Lebanon. I would like to congratulate the citizens, the political parties and the authorities for the free and orderly elections held last week as well as for the high turn out. The latest electoral developments represent a fundamental step towards stability and prosperity in Lebanon and in the region”.
(12 June, 2009)
EU Presidency Statement on the Parliamentary elections in Lebanon
The Presidency of the European Union congratulates the people and the political parties of Lebanon on the generally peaceful and transparent way in which the parliamentary elections were held on 7 June. In this respect it notes with satisfaction the preliminary assessment by the EU Election Observation Mission.
(8 June, 2009)
Javier Solana statement on the elections in Lebanon
Yesterday’s elections in Lebanon were an important step in the democratic evolution of the Middle East. Although it will be some time before the full results are known and before we have a comprehensive account of how polling was carried out. The situation remained calm and that voting proceeded in an orderly and dignified manner. This is to be commended.
(8 June, 2009)
Council conclusions on Lebanon
The Council commends all Lebanese institutions and political forces for the conduct of the electoral campaign, and the orderly and transparent voting process, as noted by the EU and other election observation missions. The significant increase in voter turn-out confirmed the Lebanese people’s commitment to democracy.
(15 June, 2009)
EU maintains position as world’s top development aid donor
The EU maintained its position as the world’s most important donor in development aid in 2008, accounting for nearly 60% of global aid, according to EuropeAid’s annual report. In its own capacity, the European Commission alone engaged €12 billion in 2008 – more than a fifth of the total European aid effort.
(10 July, 2009)
Union for the Mediterranean: European Commission increases its contribution to priority projects
On the eve of the first anniversary of the launching of the Union for the Mediterranean (Paris, 13 July 2008), the European Commission announces an additional contribution of €72 million, for 2009-2010, to the areas identified as priorities by the Euro-Mediterranean Heads of State and Government in Paris. Work will focus on the de-pollution of the Mediterranean Sea, maritime and land highways, alternative energies, with a focus on the Mediterranean Solar Plant, higher education and research and supporting investment in businesses. Part of the funds will be dedicated to support the running of the Union for the Mediterranean Secretariat. With this contribution, the total community budget dedicated since July 2008 to the priorities identified by the Union for the Mediterranean amounts €90 million.
(10 July, 2009)
Jerzy Buzek elected President of the European Parliament
MEPs elected Jerzy Buzek to be the new European Parliament President with 555 votes in favour (or 86.18 per cent of the valid votes). He was elected after the first-round of voting. The 69-year-old Polish MEP will lead the European Parliament for two and a half years (until January 2012). President Buzek is the first President of the European Parliament to come from Central and Eastern Europe following the EU’s enlargement in 2004.
(14 July, 2009)
Commission approves €4 million for Euro-Mediterranean research and dialogue on economic cooperatio
The European Commission has approved a contribution of €4 million for Euro-Mediterranean research and dialogue on economic cooperation, under the second part of its 2009 action programme for the Mediterranean region.
(16 July, 2009)
Commission approves €4 million for MEDSTAT III project
The European Commission has approved a budget of €4 million for the MEDSTAT III project, under the second part of its 2009 action programme for the Mediterranean region.
(16 July, 2009)
Commission allocates €70 million for key Neighbourhood investment projects
The Neighbourhood Investment Facility (NIF), a key instrument of the intensified European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), will benefit from a €70 million contribution by the European Commission in 2009. These resources will allow neighbouring partner countries to leverage increased funding for major investment projects in areas such as energy, transport and environment, and also SME development and the social sector, according to a Commission press release.
(20 July, 2009)
Commission approves €5 million for new phase of EuroMed Youth programme
The European Commission has approved a contribution of €5 million for the fourth phase of the EuroMed Youth programme, under its 2009 action programme for the Mediterranean region.
(23 July, 2009)
ARCHIMEDES final report highlights success of urban cooperation
The EU-funded ARCHIMEDES project, under the MED-PACT programme, has published its final report, saying it had achieved its objectives and expressing its full satisfaction at the value and success of the experience gained. The ARCHIMEDES project involved three EU cities (Venice - project leader, Genoa and Bordeaux) and four Mediterranean partner cities (Istanbul - project co-leader, Beirut, Oran, El Mina). The project started on 1 January 2007 and ended on 31 December 2008. It aimed at defining institutional settings, instruments, and tools based on the best practices of EU city partners in order to promote public-private partnerships, mobilise civil society, plan urban regeneration, promote sustainable tourism and the valorisation of under-utilised cultural heritage in the Mediterranean city partners.
(7 August, 2009)
Workshops to support CBC calls for proposals
The EU-funded Regional Capacity Building Initiative (RCBI) is organising a series of information workshops across the ENPI region for partners preparing project applications for Calls for Proposals under the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Romania-Ukraine-Republic of Moldova and Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine ENPI CBC Programmes. According to a press release, the aim of the workshops is to provide the opportunity to receive further information and clarification on issues related to the Call. Each workshop will be a semi-structured question-and-answer session on a list of topics, including eligibility, partnerships, application procedures and forms, financial issues and selection of projects.
(27 August, 2009)
Javier Solana to visit the Middle East
Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), will visit the Middle East from Sunday, 30 August to Wednesday, 2 September 2009. Mr SOLANA will visit Syria, Israel, the Palestinian Territories, Egypt and Lebanon. His trip takes place in the context of the major push by the international community towards a resolution of the Israeli-Arab conflict.
(28 August, 2009)
Win a trip to Europe and cash prizes with Eurojar competition
Visitors to the EU-funded Eurojar website are being offered the opportunity to win a trip to a European country as well as cash prizes, by posting their comments onto the site. All someone has to do is to post an opinion, an evaluation, an idea, a commentary or any message related to the published texts or to the main theme of the website. Every three months, a jury will award three prizes for the best three messages posted during the past quarter. The first prize is a trip and a one-week stay in an EU country, or €4,000. The runner-up will receive €2,000 and the third prize is €1,000.
(1 September, 2009)
Mediterranean water management issues in focus at Beirut meeting
The Mediterranean Network of Basin Organisations (MENBO) is organising its General Assembly in Beirut (Lebanon) on 6-8 October 2009, concentrating on the specific issues of water management in the Mediterranean basin.
(1 September, 2009)
EU-funded project encourages Lebanese women to stay in their villages
The project, ‘Development of the competitiveness of rural production in favour of marginalised communities affected by war’, aims at preventing the rural exodus affecting the villages of the region. In these farming villages, women used to produce their foodstuff traditionally and struggle to make money from it, but thanks to the project, their production and sales have risen to another scale.
(2 September, 2009)
Progress on Mediterranean de-pollution ‘bodes well for the future’
There has been “rapid progress” on pollution reduction under the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme for the Mediterranean, with the first concrete projects emerging from the pipeline. This is one of the main conclusions of the progress report on the first three years of the initiative, published on the Horizon 2020 website.
(3 September, 2009)
€31 million for Mediterranean migratory routes
The European Commission has issued a Call for Proposals providing €31 million for migration and asylum cooperation along Mediterranean migratory routes, covering partners in the ENPI South. The general objective of the thematic programme is to help third countries better manage all aspects of migratory flows in all their dimensions. The overall indicative amount made available under this call for proposals is €70 million over two years.
(4 September, 2009)
Regional capacity building support for Euromed Youth IV
The Service Procurement Notice for the ‘ENPI – regional capacity building support unit (RCBS) for Euromed Youth Programme IV, ENPI South region’ has been published (reference EuropeAid/128394/C/SER/Multi). This contract will be dealing with the countries participating in the ENPI South.
(4 September, 2009)
Service Procurement Notice for Medstat III
The purposes of the project are to provide users with more and better statistical data in six priority thematic sectors (agriculture, energy, migration, social statistics, trade in goods and services and balance of payments, transport) and an increased use of these data.
(8 Septemner, 2009)
EU unveils strategy for maritime governance in Mediterranean
The European Union has unveiled a strategy to improve maritime governance in the Mediterranean, saying this would act as an important driver for more sustainable growth in the region, while addressing common issues of concern.
(11 September, 2009)
TV programme to highlight impact of Reproductive Health Project in Palestinian refugee camps
The EU-funded Reproductive Health Project and its impact on young Palestinians living in refugee camps in Lebanon is the topic of the next episode of Europa Jaratouna to be broadcast on the Lebanese channel LBC on Wednesday 6 September. The EU-funded Reproductive Health Project was implemented in five Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon and opened youth clinics in four of them. The clinics advise young men and women aged between 10 and 24 on issues related to sexual health, contraception, early marriage and pregnancy, etc.
(1 September, 2009)
How can you export to the EU? Conference informs developing countries
The Export Helpdesk provides detailed information on the preferential arrangements in place between the EU and developing countries. The online service also offers information on requirements to export and market goods in the EU, internal taxes applicable in every EU country and product-specific legal or market requirements, import tariffs and other import measures, as well as trade statistics and useful links.
(16 September, 2009)
MEDA cooperation made significant contribution, but more to be done
The European Commission’s interventions contributed to progress on the three pillars of the Barcelona process, according to an evaluation of cooperation with the Mediterranean Partner Countries implemented under the MEDA II Regulation over the period 2000-2006. However, achievements varied across countries and were not sufficient to allow the level of economic convergence and harmonisation of governance with the EU that was envisaged – with regional cooperation in particular a major hurdle.
(16 September, 2009)
EIB seminar aims to revitalise historic Mediterranean cities
A seminar hosted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) aims to kick-start a far-reaching debate destined to lead to the implementation of investment projects supporting the revitalisation of historic urban centres in the southern and eastern Mediterranean.
(14 September, 2009)
Euromed Journalists task force to discuss contribution to post-conflict situations
Regional cooperation and the potential contribution of journalists to post-conflict situations will be discussed at a meeting in Stockholm on 21th September. The event is organised by the Anna Lindh Foundation, with the participation of the EU-funded European Neighbourhood Journalism Network’s (Euromed) Task Force, Restoring trust - Rebuilding bridges.
(17 September, 2009)
New five-year term for President Barroso
By a large majority, the European Parliament has re-elected José Manuel Barroso as President of the European Commission for a new five-year term. Visibly moved, President Barroso thanked MEPs ‘very sincerely’ for the confidence shown in him. He was also keen to thank the members of the European People’s Party for being the first to support his programme, as well as Portugal, his home country, which supported his candidacy for the post of President of the EC. Interpreting the vote as ‘an acceptance of the ambitious programme for a Europe of freedom and solidarity’ put forward recently, he restated his ‘determination’ to work closely with MEPs ‘to build an even stronger Parliamentary democracy’.
(16 September, 2009)
Winners of the Anna Lindh Journalist Award 2009 announced
Presided by André Azoulay, President of the Anna Lindh Foundation, and chaired by renowned Lebanese writer Amin Maalouf, the jury of the Anna Lindh Mediterranean Journalist Award convening in Rome officially announced the winners of the 2009 edition of the prize.
(17 September, 2009)
Newsletter of the Delegation
OUTLINE - ISSUE 3/2009
Open Hearings on the European Neighbourhood Policy
Financing the ENP in Lebanon
Bilan de la PEV au Liban
Comment exporter vers l’Europe
EU News: Calls for proposals
(17 September, 2009)
“Open Hearings” on the European Neighbourhood Policy in Lebanon
Nearly three years since the entry into force of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) in Lebanon, the Delegation of the European Commission is organising a series of public hearings on the ENP in the form of round tables. The objective of the hearings is to gather all stakeholders in the ENP in Lebanon – the State administration, MPs, NGOs, think tankers, economists, journalists, university professors, beneficiaries of EC projects, experts on the ENP, EU Member States representatives and the European Commission – in order to assess the ENP and its implementation so far in Lebanon, and to formulate recommendations for future policy attention and assistance.
(1 October, 2009)
EC goes step further in developing renewable energy with Mediterranean and Gulf countries
On 9 October, the European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner in will host in Brussels a Ministerial level conference on renewable energy cooperation between the EU, the Mediterranean and the Gulf countries, in co operation with the Energy Commissioner, Andris Piebalgs. The conference aims to forge increased political support for closer cooperation in this field, and help to find concrete solutions to the challenges ahead.
(9 October, 2009)
EU remains leading activist in efforts to achieve universal abolition of death penalty
The EU considers the death penalty to be a cruel and inhuman punishment, which represents an unacceptable denial of human dignity and integrity. In its efforts against the death penalty, the EU is actively supported by states from all regions of the world. The EU encourages public debate, strengthening public opposition and putting pressure on retentionist countries to abolish the death penalty, or at least introduce a moratorium as a first step.
(9 October, 2009)
How can civil society contribute to the Union for the Mediterranean?
The active participation of organised civil society in the Union for the Mediterranean will be the main topic to be debated at the next Euromed Summit of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions on 18-19 October 2009 in Alexandria. The Summit is organised by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).
(14 October, 2009)
New EU website to help improve development co-operation
The European Commission is launching Capacity4dev.eu, EuropeAid’s interactive website aimed at improving EU development co-operation. It will allow the development community at large to meet and exchange best practices on the European Commission’s reform of how it provides know-how through training, research, consultancy or technical support. The goal of the reform is to ensure EU aid for developing countries happens faster and better.
(19 October, 2009)
Nine in ten Europeans strongly support development aid despite global crisis
Nine out of ten Europeans still strongly support development aid, despite the economic crisis sweeping over their economies, while almost three-quarters insist that existing commitments should be met and even surpassed, an EU survey has shown. Ahead of the 4th European Development Days, a Special Eurobarometer on “Development Aid in time of economic turmoil” shows public support for development aid remains extremely high. Around 90% of Europeans still believe development is important and 72% are in favour of honouring or going beyond existing aid commitments to the developing world.
(20 October, 2009)
EU-funded project seeks to improve Lebanese criminal system
The latest Eurojar article published in the Lebanese daily L’Orient Le Jour sheds light on an EU-funded project that seeks to help improve the Lebanese criminal procedures through providing training to investigators of the judicial police as well as members of the civil protection, Red Cross and Fire department on protecting crime scenes.
(20 October, 2009)
Implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy in 2009 - Invitation to contribute information
The Commission services are now beginning the preparations for the fourth package of progress reports, which will cover implementation in 2009 and which will be adopted in spring 2010. The purpose of this “ENP package” is to report on the progress achieved by the ENP partners in the implementation during 2009 of the commitments made in their respective ENP Action Plans, which are agreed between the EU and the country in question.
(20 October, 2009)
“Climate change - a call to action”
“Climate change - a call to action” - Message by José Manuel Durão Barroso, President of the European Commission (Video).
(25 October, 2009)
The European Union contributes to rebuild Deir el Qasi School in Mieh Mieh
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the Delegation of the European Commission inaugurated today “Deir Qasi” preparatory school in Mieh Mieh in Saida Area. he construction of the school was funded by the European Union in the context of a €15 million major educational project aiming at enhancing and improving the quality of UNRWA’s education system to open better employment prospects for Palestinian youth residing in Lebanon.
(12 November, 2009)
Javier Solana congratulates the new government in Lebanon
“I warmly welcome the formation of a government of national unity in Lebanon. This is the result of detailed discussions among the parties concerned and I congratulate the efforts made by all to achieve this important objective”.
(10 November, 2009)
Ferrero-Waldner on the formation of a national unity government in Lebanon
‘’On behalf of the European Commission, I warmly welcome the agreement reached to form a national unity government in Lebanon. I want to commend President Sleiman for his constructive approach to the matter as well as Prime Minister designate Hariri for his tireless efforts conducted in a spirit of dialogue and compromise which led to the successful conclusion of negotiations”.
(10 November, 2009)
Union for the Mediterranean: what innovations can we expect?
What can we expect from the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), more than a year after its creation? What type of projects will be supported? How will these projects be financed? And how will the UfM Secretariat work? On 19 November in Brussels, a high level seminar will give the opportunity to experts and decision makers to debate on the future developments of the UfM.
(17 November, 2009)
20th Anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
20 November 2009 sees the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The EU is strongly committed to support the effective implementation of the Convention worldwide.
(20 November, 2009)
“Climate change - a call to action”
Video message on climate change by José Manuel Durão Barroso, President of the European Commission.
(1 December, 2009)
Climate Change Quizz
Climate Change Quizz: How much do you know?
(1 December, 2009)
Treaty of Lisbon enters into force
Catherine Ashton takes up office today as the new High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union. In all third countries, including Lebanon, the Delegation of the European Commission becomes the Delegation of the European Union. Herman Van Rompuy will take up his position on 1 January 2010, as the first full-time President of the European Council. The Treaty of Lisbon enters into force today, 1 December 2009. It introduces reforms that are designed to make the European Union more efficient, more democratic, more transparent, more secure and more visible on the world stage.
(1 December, 2009)
10 December 2009 – Human Rights Day
The Human Rights Day focuses on non-discrimination with the motto “Embrace diversity, end discrimination”. While the Universal Declaration of Human Rights establishes that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”, millions around the globe face discrimination in their daily lives. Discrimination on grounds such as sex, racial and ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation is incompatible with the basic principles on which the European Union is founded. The prohibition of discrimination is enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights. The EU is committed to fight against all forms of discrimination both in the EU and worldwide.
(10 December, 2009)
EC Co-operation Director visits Lebanon, confirms EU support to competitiveness, local development
During a visit to Lebanon on 8-9 December, the Director for Europe, Southern Mediterranean, Middle East and Neighbourhood Policy at the EuropeAid Co-operation Office of the European Commission, Marcus Cornaro, signed two Financing Agreements with the Government of Lebanon in the presence of H.E. Prime Minister Saad Hariri. This brings to three the number of EU/Lebanon Financing Agreements that enter into force in 2009, for a total amount of €42 million:
1. Reinforcement of private sector competitiveness (€14 million)
2. Support to local development in Northern Lebanon (€18 million)
3. Modernisation of the Lebanese justice system (€10 million).
(9 December, 2009)
Anna Lindh Foundation launches call for participation for 2010 Forum
The EU-funded Anna Lindh Foundation for Dialogue between Cultures has officially launched the call for participation to its Forum 2010. A press release said the Forum, to take place in Barcelona from 4 to 7 March 2010, aims to give new momentum to the cooperation among civil society organizations committed to intercultural dialogue in the Union for the Mediterranean region and to enrich the activities of the 43 National Networks of the Anna Lindh Foundation. Representatives of civil society organisations based across the 43 countries of the Union for the Mediterranean are invited to apply to get involved in the major gathering.
(9 December, 2009)
2010 - A decisive year for tackling climate change
Climate change it’s real, it’s global and it’s local. Video.
(18 December, 2009)
30th Anniversary of UN Women’s Rights Convention
The 30th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) provides a great opportunity to reflect about the world’s situation of women’s rights. In spite of progress in the promotion of gender equality, discriminations on the basis of gender are still pervasive in all societies. Gender equality is a chapter of close co-operation between the European Union and international and regional organisations. In particular, the European Union engages with partner countries to combat the practice of discriminatory laws. Through its financial instruments, the EU supports complementary efforts by civil society organisations, such as activities on advocacy, monitoring and support to victims.
(18 December, 2009)
Info Notes 2010: Regional cooperation at a glance
Two new EuropeAid publications entitled “Our Neighbours: Panorama of Regional Programmes and Projects” (2010), one on cooperation with the Southern Countries and the other covering cooperation with the Eastern European Countries, are now available on-line. The publications, known as “Info Notes”, highlight concrete cooperation actions undertaken under the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) and within the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). They are both available in English (Info Notes East, Info Notes South) and French (Info Notes East, Info Notes South), and also in Arabic (Info Notes South) and in French and Russian (Info Notes East).
(21 December, 2009)
Catherine Ashton’s statement at the European Parliament debate on the Middle East Peace Process
The EU has consistently supported both Israel and the Palestinians by giving them the time and space to negotiate bilaterally. EU assistance has enabled the Palestinian Authority to build the institutions of the future State of Palestine, so that it can deliver services to its people and be a reliable neighbour in this region. Today, however, the Palestinians are divided both politically and physically. Credible negotiations require a strong and united Palestinian partner. Israel stands to gain, not lose from a strong Palestinian partner. Israel has taken a first step with its temporary and partial settlement freeze. We hope this will contribute towards a resumption of meaningful negotiations.
(15 December, 2009)
Catherine Ashton: Mediterranean is a top priority
The Mediterranean is a top priority for the EU, with its international credibility depending on how it interacts with its neighbours, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton has told the European Parliament in preliminary remarks at the start of her public hearing by MEPs.
(11 January, 2010)
Presidency pledges balanced progress of Southern and Eastern Neighbourhood dimensions
The Spanish Presidency of the European Union has pledged to emphasise the unitary nature of the European Neighbourhood Policy and boost the balanced progress of its Mediterranean and Eastern dimensions, stressing that the prosperity and stability of Europe and the neighbouring regions are intertwined.
(15 January, 2010)
European Commission to co-sponsor Palestinian Donors Conference
Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations and Neighbourhood Policy, will pledge on 2 March in Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt) €436 million ($554 million) to the Palestinian people for 2009 at the “Conference in Support of the Palestinian Economy for the Reconstruction of Gaza”.
(27 February, 2009)
Tempus National Information Day
The National Tempus Office in Lebanon is organising its annual “Tempus National Information Day” conference during which the 2nd call for proposals under the new phase of the EU inter-university cooperation programme Tempus IV will be launched.
(27 February, 2009)
Meeting of EU-Lebanon Association Council
A meeting of the EU-Lebanon Association Council was held on the sidelines of the General Affairs and External Relations Council of the European Union on 23 February.
(26 February, 2009)
Javier Solana visits the Middle East
Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), is travelling to the Middle East from Tuesday, 24 February to Saturday, 28 February 2009. Mr Solana is travelling to Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Israel and the Palestinian Territories, a few days before participating in the international conference in support of the Palestinian economy, for the reconstruction of Gaza, to be held in Sharm El-Sheikh on 2 March 2009.
(23 February, 2009)
Cooperation agreement between ten Euro-Mediterranean banks: twenty concrete projects launched
Ten financial institutions of the Euro-Mediterranean region, soon to be joined by the African Development Bank, have signed a memorandum of agreement providing for the launch of twenty concrete projects, the European Investment Bank (EIB) has announced.
(20 February, 2009)
Delegation website: http://www.dellbn.ec.europa.eu/en/index.htm